In the summer of 2009, President Obama traveled to Ghana, the final stop of one of his first international trips as President, and delivered remarks to the Ghanaian parliament in Accra. In his speech, he discussed our nation’s relationship with Africa, and the partnership needed to ensure transformation change across the continent.
I’ve come here to Ghana for a simple reason: The 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra, as well.
This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America’s prosperity. Your health and security can contribute to the world’s health and security. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere.
So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world — as partners with America on behalf of the future we want for all of our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility and mutual respect.
In Accra, the President spoke about four themes that he said are critical to the future of Africa—democracy, opportunity, health, and the peaceful resolution of conflict—the same four pillars of focus reflected in the U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, which was released today.
The White House
